Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, boasts tens of kilometers of golden beaches, a skyline of towering buildings in the surfing paradise, and a seaside lifestyle with abundant sunshine throughout the year. As one of the most popular vacation destinations in Australia, Gold Coast is not only suitable for short trips, but also ideal for long-term living, studying and family life. However, for first-time visitors or those planning to reside for an extended period, choosing the best place to stay in Gold Coast among the numerous diverse areas can often be a perplexing issue. This article will delve into the various main accommodation areas of the Gold Coast, providing you with a detailed analysis of their characteristics, enabling you to easily decide where the best suburbs in the Gold Coast are for you to live, and allowing you to deeply experience the diverse lifestyle of the Gold Coast.
Best Place to Stay in Gold Coast
The city of Gold Coast is formed by connecting several distinctive “suburbs”. Although it is collectively called “Gold Coast”, the style of Coolangatta at the southern end is quite different from that of Southport at the northern end. When choosing where to stay in Gold Coast, Australia, the first thing you should consider is: do you prefer a bustling and noisy environment, or do you prefer a peaceful and natural setting?
Here are the highly recommended best areas to stay in Gold Coast for you:
Surfers Paradise
If you are visiting this city for the first time, undoubtedly Surfers Paradise is the best place to stay on the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise is the heart of the city, the most iconic area of the Gold Coast, and the area with the densest skyscrapers. There are the most densely packed high-rise apartments and hotel complexes in the Gold Coast. You can walk to the beach, restaurants, shopping centers and nightlife venues. The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located on the top observation deck of the Q1 building. It is the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Gold Coast without any blind spots. Cavill Avenue is a well-known pedestrian street in the area, an excellent area for shopping, dining and entertainment. Surfers Paradise Beach has fine sand and an expansive coastline, making it perfect for taking photos and surfing. The neon lights at night contrast sharply with the sunny beach during the day, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
🎯Best for:
- First-time visitors to Gold Coast.
- People who enjoy the lively atmosphere and nightlife.
- Short-term travelers who rely on public transportation and prefer to walk for food, drinks and entertainment.
- Young independent travelers.
🛏️Where to Stay in Surfers Paradise?
Surfers Paradise boasts numerous high-rise apartments with breathtaking sea views, ideal for families or groups of people; it also offers a variety of affordable youth hostels and apartments, suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Here are the top 3 most popular accommodations in Surfers Paradise:
- QT Gold Coast.
- The Langham, Gold Coast.
- Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences.
- Students studying at Griffith University Gold Coast campus.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Surfers Paradise:
- Griffith University Gold Coast: Around 15 minutes by taking the G:link light rail.
- Bond University: Within 20-minute car driving.
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL): About 30-minute driving by car.
Broabeach
Broadbeach is located south of Surfers Paradise, perfectly blending the convenience of the city with the leisure of the beach. However, the atmosphere here is a bit quieter than that in the northern part, and the pace is slightly slower. It is regarded by many locals as one of the most livable areas on the Gold Coast. Broadbeach boasts the most concentrated collection of high-end restaurants and cafes on the Gold Coast, offering everything from exquisite dining to relaxed coffee. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre houses numerous international brands and local boutiques, and is one of the largest shopping centres in Queensland. The Star Gold Coast is a comprehensive resort that combines hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities, offering a wide range of entertainment options for visitors. The waves at Broadbeach are relatively gentle, making it an ideal place for families to swim and for children to play. The beach facilities are well-equipped and there are lifeguards on duty.
🎯Best for:
- People who desire convenience but dislike excessive noise.
- Tourists who prefer high-quality restaurants and shopping environments.
- Families with children.
- Business travelers on business trips.
- Students studying at Bond University.
🛏️Where to Stay in Broadbeach?
In Broadbeach, you can find both luxurious accommodation with swimming pools and spacious apartment-style accommodation. Broadbeach offers a large number of sea-view rooms and is very cost-effective.
- Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach.
- The Darling at The Star.
- Meriton Suites Broadbeach.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Broadbeach:
- Griffith University Gold Coast campus: About 25-minute G:link light rail ride.
- Bond University: Around 10-minute driving.
- Gold Coast Airport: Approximately 30 minutes by car.
Burleigh Heads
If you ask a local from the Gold Coast what their favorite place to live is, nine out of ten times the answer would be Burleigh. Burleigh Heads is recognized as one of the best suburbs in the Gold Coast. This area perfectly combines top-notch surfing resources with a laid-back Bohemian style. Even if you don’t go surfing, sitting on the beach and watching the surfers is also a delightful experience. Burleigh Head National Park is a small but scenic national park, and it is also the home of many wild koalas; it offers relaxing coastal trails where you can enjoy magnificent sea views and the Gold Coast skyline. This is also a great place to watch whales. James Street is the local’s central commercial street, featuring fashion boutiques, independent cafes, trendy restaurants and art galleries, all filled with Bohemian style. On weekends, you can also bring a picnic blanket to Burleigh Hill to enjoy the sunset.
🎯Best for:
- People who enjoy natural landscapes and a slow-paced life.
- Surfing enthusiast.
- People who want to experience local culture and lifestyle.
- Couples planning a vacation.
- Students studying in Bond University.
🛏️Where to Stay in Burleigh Heads?
The accommodation in Burleigh Heads is mainly composed of vacation apartments and boutique guesthouses. For example:
- Burleigh Palms Holiday Apartments.
- Oceania Beachside Holiday Apartments.
- Mondrian Gold Coast.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Burleigh Heads:
- Griffith University Gold Coast: Around 25-minute driving.
- Bond University: 10-minute car driving.
- Gold Coast Airport: Within 20 minutes by car.
Miami
Miami in Australia is located between Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Beach, and it is a gradually emerging residential community. Miami is smaller in scale and lacks large commercial centres, but it has relatively quiet beaches and reasonable accommodation prices. In recent years, with the presence of art walls, specialty cafes, and craft breweries, Miami has gradually developed into another best place to stay on the Gold Coast, Australia. Miami Marketta is a vibrant night market that brings together street food from all over the world, live music, and handicrafts, making it an excellent place to experience local culture and cuisine. Miami Beach is quieter and less crowded than other famous beaches, making it an ideal choice for avoiding crowds and enjoying the sunshine and waves.
🎯Best for:
- Those with a moderate budget and desiring to be close to the beach.
- Travelers who plan to avoid crowds.
- Students studying at Bond University.
🛏️Where to Stay in Miami?
Miami doesn’t have large resorts. Instead, it offers more apartment-style accommodations and boutique hotels, allowing you to better integrate into the local lifestyle. Here are the most popular accommodation options in Miami on the Gold Coast of Australia:
- Nobby Beach Holiday Village.
- The Shores.
- Miami Beachside Apartments.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Miami:
- Griffith University Gold Coast campus: Around 25 minutes by car.
- Bond University: 8-minute car drive.
- Gold Coast Airport: Within 20 minutes by car.
Southport
Southport is the central business district (CBD) of the Gold Coast, featuring numerous commercial institutions, government departments and educational institutions. Chinatown in Southport brings together Asian cuisine and cultural activities; Broadwater Parklands features children’s play facilities, an aquatic park and vast green spaces, making it a great place for children to play in the water and for families to relax. Additionally, Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus and many language schools are located near Southport, making Southport a popular area for those seeking student accommodation in Gold Coast.
🎯Best for:
- International students.
- Families with children.
- Those who want to avoid tourist areas.
- Business traveler.
🛏️Where to Stay in Southport?
Southport is the top choice for students looking for Gold Coast best places to stay, offering a wide range of student apartments. Meanwhile, as the CBD of the city, Southport also provides many luxurious hotels for you to choose from.
- Griffith University Village.
- Margaret Street Student Residence Gold Coast.
- Meriton Suites Southport.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Southport:
- Griffith Univerity Gold Coast: 10-minute walk.
- Bond University: About 16-minute car drive.
- Gold Coast Airport: Approximately 30 minutes by car.
Main Beach
Main Beach is located close to Southport and has a serene and elegant atmosphere, making it another perfect choice for people confusing on where to stay in Gold Coast, Australia. Compared to Surfers Paradise, Main Beach is a more luxurious and peaceful coastal area. Main Beach features upscale hotels, boutiques and exquisite dining, significantly enhancing the quality of people’s lives. Sea World is one of the most famous theme parks on the Gold Coast, offering marine animal shows, amusement facilities and water activities, making it an ideal destination for family tourists. Tedder Avenue is home to a large number of fashionable restaurants and cafes; Marina is where numerous luxurious yachts are moored, serving as the starting point for experiencing yacht life and water sports.
🎯Best for:
- Families with children.
- Luxurious travelers.
- Long-term residents.
- People who like sailing/yachts.
🛏️Where to Stay in Main Beach?
Main Beach is relatively quiet, with many high-end residences and resorts. For example
- Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast.
- Imperial Hotel Gold Coast.
- Sea World Resort.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Main Beach:
- Griffith University Gold Coast campus: About 17 minutes by bus, or 9 minutes by car.
- Bond University: Around 16 minutes by car.
- Gold Coast Airport: With 30-minute car drive.
Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach is located between Broadbeach and Miami. It is an area dominated by residential buildings, featuring a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches and exquisite coffee culture. Hedges Avenue is known as the “Millionaire’s Avenue”, with luxurious seaside villas on both sides. It is one of the most expensive residential areas on the Gold Coast. Mermaid Beach is wide and peaceful, with fewer beachgoers. It is an ideal place for walking, sunbathing and enjoying the sea breeze, and is more suitable for swimming than the Surfers Paradise. The range of restaurants here is diverse, including everything from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. It is regarded by many locals as a hidden gem among the best suburbs in Gold Coast.
🎯Best for:
- Travellers seeking tranquility.
- Long-term residents.
- Couples planning their honeymoon.
- Retirees who enjoy slow-paced walks.
🛏️Where to Stay in Mermain Beach?
Mermaid Beach offers a large family resort and also provides affordable accommodation close to shopping centers and public transportation. Here, the majority of the residents are local, allowing you to experience a more authentic and relaxing life on the Gold Coast.
- Turtle Beach Resort.
- Mermaid Waters Hotel by Nightcap Plus.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Mermain Beach:
- Griffith University Gold Coast: Within 25-minute car drive.
- Bond University: About 10-minute driving.
- Gold Coast Airport: Around 25 minutes by car.
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is located at the southernmost tip of the Gold Coast. It is a coastal town full of retro charm and surfing culture. Most of the buildings, shops and cafes there are relatively low-rise. The living conditions are convenient. Compared to the city centre, Coolangatta has a stronger sense of community. Coolangatta is only a 5-minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport. For travelers who need to frequently travel to and from the airport, Coolangatta is an extremely convenient area to stay in Gold Coast. The seawater here is crystal clear and has a more sheltered characteristic compared to the north, making it perfect for swimming. Snapper Rocks is a world-famous surfing spot and holds world-class surfing competitions every year. Living in this border town, you can easily walk or cycle across the state border and experience the unique cultural differences between Queensland and New South Wales.
🎯Best for:
- Passengers who need to be close to the airport.
- Professional surfer / Expert surfer.
- People who enjoy a quiet life by the seaside.
🛏️Where to Stay in Coolangatta?
Coolangatta offers ocean-view apartments, apartment-style accommodations, and affordable motel-style lodging. Such as
- Iconic Kirra Beach Resort.
- Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza.
- La Costa Beachside Motel.
🗺️Distance to Universities & Airport from Coolangatta:
- Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus: 5 minutes by car, or 19 minutes by bus.
- Bond University: Within 30-minute driving.
- Gold Coast Airport: About 5 minutes by car.
Conclusion on Where to Stay on Gold Coast, Australia
Gold Coast, the sunny and vibrant holiday paradise, boasts distinctive accommodation areas from north to south, capable of meeting people’s diverse needs. Choosing the best place to stay in Gold Coast is not a one-size-fits-all decision; it depends on your travel purpose, budget, companions, and preference for atmosphere.
- Seeking excitement and convenience: Surfers Paradise.
- Desiring a balance between quality and a sense of life: Broadbeach.
- Preferring nature and local culture: Burleigh Heads.
- Wishing for a quiet community: Miami or Mermaid Beach.
- Looking for convenient commuting for school: Southport.
- Desiring a family-friendly environment: Main Beach.
- Yearning for a slow pace and surfing culture: Coolangatta.
No matter where you ultimately choose to go, the sunshine and sea breeze of the Gold Coast will make you feel that it was all worth it. Before making a reservation, it is recommended to compare the transportation convenience of different areas; when booking an apartment in the Gold Coast, you can choose reliable rental platforms such as uhomes.com to enjoy a more comfortable living experience and a more affordable rental price.
FAQs About Best Places to Stay in Gold Coast, Aaustralia
Where is the best place to stay in Gold Coast for students?
Southport is the best area to stay the Gold Coast for both domestic and international students. It is close to Griffith University Gold Coast campus and many language schools, with convenient transportation. The average rent in Southport is AU$300 – AU$400 per week, and the cost of living is relatively low. Besides, Southport has complete commercial facilities and a wide range of food options, providing students with a fulfilling living experience.
What are the top areas to stay in Gold Coast for families?
Broadbeach, Main Beach, and Mermaid Beach are all the top choices for families confusing on where to stay in Gold Coast, Australia. Broadbeach boasts safe beaches, a wide range of dining and shopping options (such as Pacific Shopping Centre), as well as convenient access to theme parks. Main Beach is close to Sea World and Broadwater Park and offers a wealth of family entertainment options. The Turtle Beach Resort at Mermaid Beach is also a very popular family resort.
Which area of the Gold Coast has the most convenient transportation?
Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are the most accessible areas. They are located along the G:link light rail line and can easily reach many major attractions and shopping centres on the Gold Coast. Southport, as a commercial centre, also has very developed public transportation, making it particularly convenient for traveling to Griffith University.
Where to stay in Gold Coast if I need to frequently travel to and from the airport？
Coolangatta is an extremely convenient choice for passengers who need to frequently travel to and from the airport. Coolangatta is only about a 5-minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport and is the closest accommodation area to the airport.
What are the best hotels in Gold Coast, Australia?
The best hotels in Gold Coast are The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, QT Gold Coast, The Langham Gold Coast, Meriton Suites Southport, and The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast. Those Gold Coast hotels are with 5-star, luxury decorations, upscale amenities, attentive services, and convenient transportation.
Where to stay in Gold Coast Australia for finding cheap accommodations?
Surfers Paradise is one of the suburbs in Gold Coast for budget-friendly stays. The average rent in Surfers Paradise is from AU$180 to AU$550 per week. So you can have numerous chances to find an affordable accommodation.
